Saint Vincent de Paul (1580 - September 27, 1660) was born at Pouy, Landes, Gascony, France to a peasant family.
He studied humanities at Dax with the Cordeliers and he graduated in theology at Toulouse. Vincent de Paul was ordained in 1600, remaining in Toulouse until he went to Marseille for an inheritance. On his way back from Marseille, he was taken captive by Turkish pirates to Tunis, and sold into slavery. After converting his owner to Christianity, Vincent de Paul was freed in 1607.
Vincent returned to France and served as priest in a parish near Paris.
He founded many charitable organizations such as Congregation of the Daughters of Charity, with Louise de Marillac, and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Lazarists).
He was appointed by Louis XIII royal almoner of the galleys allowing him to improve the conditions.
See also: Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul is the name of several places in France:
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